Annapolis Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is an effective restorative dentistry services that relieves toothache pain and dental sensitivity and prevents unnecessary tooth loss. However, this treatment has gotten a bad reputation due to the severe toothache and dental sensitivity most patients experience leading up to their root canal procedure. At the Annapolis dental office of Dr. Barry Grosshandler, we’re happy to offer comfortable, safe, effective, pain relieving root canal therapy. If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of a need for root canal therapy, we’ll be happy to help you. Contact us to schedule an appointment right away. We look forward to helping you relieve pain and restore your healthy, happy smile.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is an advanced restorative dentistry service that is necessary when tooth decay or dental damage accesses the inner layer of the tooth called the pulp. The nerve tissue of the tooth is housed within the pulp layer, so when tooth decay or damaged tissue access this part of the tooth, severe pain and dental sensitivity may occur as a result. To save the tooth and relieve pain, we’ll need to perform a root canal.

How Will I Know I Need a Root Canal?

The only way to know for certain you need a root canal is to receive accurate diagnosis from a skilled restorative dentist. However, we see the majority of root canal cases on an emergency basis, so some of the warning signs of a need for root canal therapy you should be aware of include:

Severe toothache pain that can be a dull throb or sharp pain when biting down

Lingering dental sensitivity following consumption of hot or cold foods and beverages

Dark tooth coloring at or near the gum line

Infection in the gums around a specific tooth

Is the Root Canal Procedure Painful?

Root canal therapy is no more painful than other restorative dentistry procedures, and it typically relieves the pain leading up to it. We begin by numbing the area around your damaged tooth. Then, we drill a small hole from the top of the tooth to the inner pulp layers. The pulp and nerve tissue are then extracted through the access hole. In some cases, we need to provide an oral or topical antibiotic to remove infection before we can complete your treatment. Once your tooth is completely free from infected tissue, we refill the inner layer of the tooth with a biocompatible substance. Then, the access hole is resealed. In most cases, we will also place a dental crown to protect the root canal treated tooth.

What Happens After My Root Canal?

Following your root canal treatment, you will likely feel much better than you did prior to the removal of your damaged nerve tissue. However, you may notice some swelling or sensitivity around the treated tooth for the first few days after your root canal. If you have severe pain, dental sensitivity, or notice signs of infection, please call our team right away. You may need retreatment to maintain your damaged tooth.